31 Dec THE HALACHIC PERSPECTIVE ON NON-JEWISH HOLIDAYS

Someone in a
place where songs
associated with
idolatry are played,
such as during the
Christian holiday
season, is not prohibited from hearing
them. However, it is correct to refrain from
enjoying them, as doing so is distasteful.
The Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 142:15) states:
“It is forbidden to hear musical instruments
of idolatry or to gaze upon the adornments
of idolatry, as one derives pleasure from the
sight.”
The intent of the Shulchan Aruch refers to
instruments played specifically in service
of idolatry, not to songs intended merely for
entertainment or to create a festive atmosphere.
This distinction is derived from the words of
the Shiltei Giborim, who writes explicitly that
the prohibition applies to music played before
an idol. He states: “If one sees the ornaments
of idolatry or hears the melodies of priests
playing before the idol, if they do not intend
to derive benefit, as they have no desire for
or need of such enjoyment, it is permitted.
However, if one intends to benefit, it is

forbidden, for even sound and sight, though
intangible, are prohibited to derive benefit
from.”
Rav Moshe Feinstein, in Igrot Moshe (Y.D. II:
111), elaborates: “Regarding listening to songs
played for idolatry, it is certainly forbidden.
Playing music for idolatry is considered an
act of respect akin to kissing or bowing, as
discussed in Sanhedrin (63b) and ruled by
the Rambam (Avodat Kochavim 3:6). If such
music is part of the idol’s worship, it incurs the
penalty of death. Therefore, it is undoubtedly
forbidden to intentionally listen to such music.
If the music comes from instruments
designated for idolatry, benefiting from it is
prohibited, even rabbinically. However, if the
music is sung without instruments or without
lyrics praising idolatry, there is no inherent
prohibition, though it remains distasteful.
Songs with lyrics praising idols are forbidden,
even if not intended as worship.
Music heard from speakers or recordings, not
live performances, does not fall under the strict
prohibition but is still considered distasteful.”
The Rema notes that actions without intent to
derive benefit are permitted, but one should

avoid situations where such intent might arise.
Someone traveling during the Christian
holidays, and they are wished “Marry
Xmass” or even “Happy Holidays,” should
refrain from responding with “Happy
Holidays” in return. Instead, they should
reply with “Thank you” or another neutral
phrase that does not imply agreement with
their holiday.
The Rambam (Melachim 10:9) writes: “if
a gentile observes a day of rest, even on a
weekday, as if it were a Sabbath for themselves,
they are liable for punishment, needless to say,
if they establish a festival for themselves. The
principle is: we do not allow them to create
new religions or commandments on their own
initiative.”
Since it is forbidden for them to establish
new holidays, we should avoid wishing
them “Happy Holidays,” as doing so implies
agreement with their mistaken practices.
Moreover, because their holidays glorify
idolatry—especially the festivals at the end
of the secular year—one should refrain from
such greetings, as doing so indirectly honors
their idolatry.
When one responds in such a manner,
knowing that the holiday elevates idolatry,
they violate the prohibition of flattery
(chanufah).
The holy books have written extensively
about this negative trait.
Our sages (Sotah 41a) said regarding
King Agrippa: when he was reading from
the Torah and reached the verse, “You
shall not appoint a foreigner over you”
(Devarim 17:15), his eyes filled with tears.
They said to him, “You are our brother!”
At that moment, the enemies of Israel (a
euphemism for the Jewish people) became
liable for destruction because they flattered
Agrippa.
If one is greeted with “Happy Holidays,”
they may respond with “Thank you,”
intending it as gratitude for the well-wishes
regarding Chanukah, which occurs around
the same time.
One may extend greetings such as “Good
morning” or “Hello” even on the holiday
of Christians. However, it should be done
in a subdued tone and with seriousness.
The Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 148:9) states:
“It is forbidden to enter the house of an
idolater on their festival day to greet them,
but if encountered outside, it is permitted
to greet them, though one should do so in a
subdued tone and with seriousness.”
The Shulchan Aruch words refer
specifically to entering the idolater’s
personal residence on their holiday. This
prohibition does not extend to entering a
property rented from them, such as a house
(Rbnb) or hotel room.
If one needs to give a gift to a non-Jew on
their holiday, it is preferable to do so the

day before or after their holiday. However,
if this is not possible, it may also be given on
the holiday itself.
It is a common gesture to give gifts during this
season to the mailman, the school bus driver,
and neighbors. But is this permitted?
The Rema (Y.D. end of 148) states: “If one
sends a gift to a gentile in these times on the
day that they consider significant, if possible,
they should send it the evening before. If not,
they may send it on the holiday itself.”
The Shach (148:13) explains that sending
the gift the evening before avoids potential
animosity. Furthermore, in modern times,
when it is uncommon for the recipient to
attribute the gift to their idol worship, it is
certainly permissible to send it.
One should be careful not to attend or
watch the celebrations and joyous events
associated with idolatry practiced by idol
worshippers.
The Chochmat Adam (Avodah Zarah, 87:5)
states: “It is obvious that it is forbidden to stroll
there and observe their celebrations. Everyone
must be cautious not to watch their gladiatorial
games, dances, or any form of their rejoicing,
as it is written, ‘Rejoice not, O Israel…’. If you
hear that they are rejoicing and celebrating,
you should sigh and feel sorrow over the
destruction of the Temple and pray:
‘Master of the Universe, Your people, whom
You brought out of Egypt, have sinned doubly
and have been punished doubly in measure.
Yet, do not remain angry forever and do not let
Your wrath extend endlessly upon the flock of
Your pasture. Rebuild Jerusalem and bring us
joy in it.’ (Beit Yosef, also mentioned in Magen
Avraham, O.H 224:3).”
Furthermore, attending such events, even
those organized by Jews, is considered a
“gathering of scoffers.”
For example, in Uruguay, there exists a sect
of idol worshippers who, each year on their
festival day, send offerings to the “Queen of
the Sea,” including sacrifices of birds, in a
public ceremony attended by many spectators.
The Sefer Mareh HaBazak (Siman 75) rules
that it is forbidden to watch such a ceremony.
Similarly, one should not go to observe the
celebrations of idol worshippers on their New
Year’s festivities (Siman 76).